RIYADH — Reema Juffali will create history later this month at the Diriyah Circuit as the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in an international racing series in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Juffali made her competitive racing debut in October 2018 just months after a watershed moment for the Kingdom that allowed women to drive.

Now, after a string of impressive performances, she will join the official support race for the Diriyah E Prix, the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY series, as the VIP driver for the doubleheader-opening weekend at the UNESCO World Heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The series, which supports the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, last year created a watershed moment bringing female competitive drivers to the Kingdom for the first time, but this year will be a poignant moment when Juffali takes to the track in her own country, the first Saudi woman to do so.

Juffali, Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY VIP driver, said: “I am thrilled to be the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY VIP driver for the first race of season two. I can’t wait to be out on track racing on home soil for the first time.

“The series has highlighted the innovation and progress of motorsport, giving more opportunity for men and women to compete together in cool electric racecars. It’s going to be an amazing weekend and I can’t wait to be out on the grid.”

Juffali made history by becoming the first Saudi female race licence holder to compete in the TRD 86 Cup at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi in October last year, taking second place in the Silver Category and fourth overall. Her previous racing experience also includes the MRF Challenge in India.

Mark Turner, Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Series manager, said: “We are so excited to have Reema join us in Diriyah as our VIP driver. Her progress in her first year of single-seater racing is very impressive. To have the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in an international racing series within the Kingdom is a major milestone for the sport, and one Jaguar Racing are immensely proud to be able to support.”

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Faisal, chairman of the GSA, said: “The Diriyah Circuit has become the home of watershed moments for the Kingdom. We saw the first female drivers here last year, the first unsegregated concerts, and of course it was the first time that Formula E and the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy had raced in Saudi Arabia.

“This year we will again see more inspiring moments which help show the world the journey the Kingdom is on. I am sure Reema will have thousands cheering her on, as a professional racing driver I shall be one of them.”

After becoming the first premium manufacturer to enter the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in 2016, Jaguar created the world’s first all-electric touring car race series for a production car — the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY.

Exclusively featuring Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY racecars, the all-electric series gives drivers of the future and established racers a chance to showcase their talent, competing on the world stage in zero-emissions motorsport.

Fans will be able to cheer on Juffali as she races by purchasing a ticket for the Diriyah E Prix, which includes all the action from the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY, at www.diriyahseason.sa.

Tickets are available and start from SR450 for single day grandstand tickets, including grandstand seating with a view of all the action, access to the Allianz E-Village and off-track entertainment, and access to the post-race concert on the day featuring an international superstar. Two-day tickets are price at SR800, representing a saving of SR100.

Premium hospitality starts from SR2,500 for a single day package including valet parking, luxury indoor and outdoor lounges overlooking the Formula E track, complimentary tours of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif, VIP dining and golden circle to the post-race concert. Two-day packages are priced at SR4,000.

And, the Boss Emotion Club returns with two-day packages only featuring VIP drop-off areas, exquisite fine dining in an incredible track-side location, exclusive pitlane walks, garage tours and driver access, plus the best access into the post-race concerts and a VIP viewing platform, priced at SR15,000.

The Diriyah Season is a month-long celebration of sport, kicking off with Formula E, followed by the World Heavyweight title fight The Clash On The Dunes, The Diriyah Tennis Cup and the elite Diriyah Equestrian Festival.

As well as the Diriyah Music Festival, the season features cultural festivities, food and retail experiences, and the stunning ‘Diriyah Oasis’, a giant entertainment and art hub with fun for all the family.

Once again, the Bujairi district of Diriyah will be home to elegant fashion and retail, and the finest dining Saudi Arabia has to offer. And the DGDA will be staging tours of the fascinating and beautiful At-Turaif district, the UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a symbol of Saudi’s rich history. — SG